Fellowship Program

Please click here to apply to the First Tech Fund fellowship program for 2024-2025.

Program Overview

Our year-long fellowship puts low-income students in NYC on a trajectory for success in college and careers, provides them with free access to technology, and creates a community of support.

The program runs from September to June via weekly, virtual workshops in the evenings where students receive digital skills training, personalized mentorship, career exploration and networking opportunities to build social capital. Our workshops cover various topics including navigating the college admissions process, resume writing, financial literacy, brand building, and more. Through career panel events, fellows gain insight into a broad range of fields including law, medicine, finance, business, public service, technology, and more.

Beyond building foundational skills, fellows meet virtually with industry-specific mentors on a monthly basis, and attend networking, professional development, and volunteer events with our corporate and community partners throughout the year.

Participants are eligible to receive free technology—laptop and/or WiFi hotspot— based on their individual needs. The laptop can be kept so long as they successfully complete the fellowship program.

Eligibility

Incoming low-income 11th- and 12th-grade high school students who need access to either their own personal computer or Internet access in the home, and reside in New York City are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be a US citizen, but you must attend a school in NYC full time to be considered.

Online Application Process

Complete the application with a parent or guardian. If you have issues applying online, please email us at info@firsttechfund.com. We recommend you write and save your answers, and then copy paste them into the form once you’ve completed them, as you cannot save your draft in the form.

Cost of Program & Attendance Policy

There’s no cost to the program for students or parents, but it’s mandatory for participants to attend at least 75% of the hybrid events provided through the program. A student is considered absent if they login to their virtual sessions 30 minutes past the scheduled start time. Students who fall below the required attendance rate will be dismissed from the program and will forfeit their technology.

Selection Process

Once Fellows and their guardians have completed the application, First Tech Fund will review all applications through a volunteer committee. Applicant’s responses will determine who the committee chooses to welcome to the 2024 cohort. This process is blinded — no identifying information is released to the committee that could impact admissions decisions (to combat unconscious bias).

Applicants will be notified of their application status during the first week of July 2024.

Non-discrimination Statement

First Tech Fund does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, citizenship or naturalization status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, income or economic status, marital or family status, or any other legally protected class or affiliation.

Questions? Email info@firsttechfund.com and someone will get back to you within 72 hours.

IMPORTANT: It’s the responsibility of the applicant to check their email, including spam folders, to receive notifications and important information from First Tech Fund. We had students last year who were accepted but did not check their emails, so they did not receive their spot in the program. Please make sure to add info@firsttechfund.com to your contact list.

FAQs

> How much does it cost to be a First Tech Fund Fellow?

The fellowship is completely free for students and families. We are funded by contributions from the general public and encourage those who can, to support us in our mission to close the digital divide.

> Is this available outside of the NYC area?

For now, First Tech Fund is focused on the New York City area, but in the future, we hope to expand to other cities in the US!

> Who is eligible for the First Tech Fund Fellowship?

We accept rising 11th and 12th grade high school students from the five boroughs in NYC to apply to our program, regardless of immigration status. First Tech Fund is looking for students who are ambitious, curious, resilient, motivated to success, and set high expectations for themselves, but need a one time seed investment in the form of a laptop and Wi-Fi access to further themselves along.

> How long is the First Tech Fund Fellowship?

The fellowship is a year-long program from September to June. We place a strong emphasis on building a community and launching your network. Alumni continue to receive ongoing support beyond the end of the program via access to scholarships, speaking opportunities, in-person events, resume help, college access support, career support, and more.

> When are the First Tech Fund Fellowship events?

The fellowship program hosts weekly, virtual 1-hour workshops on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings on Zoom. We also plan a few optional, in-person networking and professional development events with our corporate and community partners throughout the year.

> Do I get to keep the technology equipment?

> What will I do during the First Tech Fund fellowship?

As a First Tech Fund fellow, you will participate in weekly, virtual workshops to build digital, foundational skills by attending weekly on topics including: digital literacy, financial literacy, personal narrative & storytelling, career exploration, career readiness, growth mindset and community collaboration. You will work on your resume, online brand, college preparation, and more. You will also have the opportunity to receive personalized mentorship from an industry professional and build social capital—networks of relationships among other fellows, FTF alumni and young professionals you meet during our career development workshops and events.

> Is there a reason there are no grade requirements?

Yes, this is intentional—First Tech Fund doesn’t believe that someone’s grades indicate their future success. We want to make this accessible to all students who have a desire to improve their lives and we’ll meet them where they are. We know that there are many reasons one’s grades could be less than perfect, but that doesn’t mean that the potential to improve isn’t there. All we look for is the burning desire to succeed.

> How do I apply for the program?

You can apply for the program here. Check out our Application Webinar to learn more about the fellowship and get insight on application and essay tips. We recommend you write out the essay questions in a separate document, as you can not save drafts within the website. If you have issues with the form please email us at info@firsttechfund.com

> I don't have a computer and/or Internet and can't access the application online, how can I apply?

Please email us at info@firsttechfund.com and we can send you the application to print at your local library. Or, you can submit your answers to the questions in the form by writing your responses on paper and mailing them to 299 Van Buren Street #2A Brooklyn, Ny 11221.